Mommy makeovers have become increasingly popular over the past decade, but given that they involve getting a combination of fairly major surgeries at once, preparing to get one can be a daunting task.
I had my daughter in 2019, and since then, I have noticed changes in my body. After undergoing a cesarean section, I have a lower belly “pooch” that just won’t seem to go down, no matter how many crunches I do. After breastfeeding for a year, as well as my weight fluctuating from pregnancy, my breasts have dropped and lost the volume and fullness they once had. I’ve never had any sort of plastic surgery, so the thought of a mommy makeover is intimidating. However, after years of wanting breast enhancement, I know this is the right time to start the process. The first step I took was to research various doctors in my area and look through their before and after photos and reviews.
I decided to book my first surgery consultation ever with Dr. Adam Schaffner, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He specializes in breast and body work for mothers, and has glowing 5-star reviews on multiple platforms, including RealSelf. He was extremely knowledgeable and spent more than an hour with me discussing my goals, answering my questions, and walking me through my options. We first chatted about what procedures I’m interested in—a breast lift with implants, a possible tummy tuck and/or liposuction—and discussed general recovery times. Then I changed into a gown, we spoke more in-depth about my goals, and he did a 3D scan of my breasts (more on that below). I was able to touch and feel different types of implants as well as “try on” different sizes with a special bra.
Although the most common mommy makeovers usually consist of a combination of a breast augmentation and a tummy tuck, each patient comes in with a different postpartum body and wish list. “A mommy makeover may include a tummy tuck, liposuction, a breast augmentation and/or lift, and/or other procedures to reverse changes to the body that occur with pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding,” explains Dr. Schaffner. If you’re interested in getting one yourself, keep reading to find out what you should be asking your doctor during your consultation.
1. Am I a good candidate for a mommy makeover?
“A good candidate for a mommy makeover is someone who is not planning on having any more children,” says Dr. Ari Hoschander, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Rockville Centre, New York.
In addition to being fairly positive that your family is complete, you should wait at least six months to a year for your body to return to a baseline after childbirth and/or breastfeeding.
“A good candidate should be in good overall health, be at or near their ideal body weight, and have no underlying medical conditions that could increase the risks associated with surgery,” says Dr. Mark Mofid, a board-certified plastic surgeon in La Jolla, California.
“The most critical step in determining candidacy is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in mommy makeovers and scar-minimizing closure. Most procedures performed in a mommy makeover include very lengthy incisions. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your specific needs and discuss the best approach to achieve your goals,” says Dr. Mofid.
You also need to be a nonsmoker before getting mommy makeover surgery.
2. Do I need to lose weight before my procedure?
Many doctors want you to be not only at or near a goal weight but, more importantly, at a stable weight. This means you can’t get surgery the day you hit a certain scale milestone. Instead, you should have healthy eating and exercise habits already in place, and you should have been at your desired weight for a period of time. Some doctors even have BMI cutoffs, so be sure to ask your doctor if they require a certain weight for surgery or if that number is up to you to decide.
“The quality of your results will be better, the closer you are to your desired weight,” says Dr. Hoschander. “This is why I recommend you wait at least six months for your body to heal and readjust following childbirth.”
Remember that gaining or losing a significant amount of weight can change your results, which can defeat the purpose of getting the surgery. It’s a big commitment of time, energy, and money, so you need to be at a stable weight to ensure optimal results.
“Mommy makeovers are intended to address the changes in the body that occur during pregnancy, such as sagging skin, separated abdominal muscles, and changes in breast volume and shape,” explains Dr. Mofid.
But these procedures—liposuction, abdominoplasty—aren’t for weight loss. “It is important to keep in mind that liposuction improves shape and contour of specific areas by removing targeted fat, but it does not dramatically decrease weight,” adds Dr. Mofid.
3. How many surgeries can I get at once?
This depends on the individual patient. “The number of procedures to be performed at one time will depend on the health status of the patient and the length of each procedure,” says Dr. Schaffner. “In general, it is desired to limit time under anesthesia for elective cosmetic surgery to six hours, although there are times where it may be safely performed for a longer period.”
A “traditional” mommy makeover is often a breast lift with or without an implant in combination with a tummy tuck. In my particular case, Dr. Schaffner suggested staggering these procedures. He explained that pulling and tightening the stomach “down” with a breast lift “up” would make for a more difficult and uncomfortable recovery. By doing the surgeries separately, you’ll at least have either your core or pectoral muscles to help you do simple things like getting up and out of bed, leading to a shorter and less painful recovery period.
4. How should patients prepare before their initial consultation with a doctor?
“Before your initial consultation, make a game plan for recovery,” says Dr. Mofid. “You will need to avoid lifting anything over three pounds for several weeks after surgery, which can be very difficult for new mothers and all the responsibilities that coincide with motherhood.”
Some doctors recommend being away from your child for at least a few days so you can heal physically and mentally after your procedures. This is one argument as to why some women wait a bit longer after delivering a child to get the surgery. If you wait a few years, your child is less dependent on you picking them up from a crib or carrying them around the house, and this could lead to an easier recovery.
“Preparation is key for an uneventful recovery,” says Dr. Mofid. “You should also take time to do your research and select a well-qualified surgeon who takes the time to make a thorough surgical plan with you and addresses all your concerns and questions.”
5. What is the typical recovery time after a mommy makeover?
“Surgery times and recovery times will vary, depending on the procedures performed,” says Dr. Schaffner. “In general, allow one to two weeks for the initial recovery and plan to allow four to eight weeks for further recovery.” This includes waiting an average of six weeks before exercising.
In the first week, you can expect swelling, bruising, discomfort, and nausea. You will likely also be on pain management medication.
“The timing of the surgery and recovery time depends on what you have done during the procedure, but typically, patients go home the day of surgery,” adds Dr. Hoschander.
Although you can rest and recover at home, it will take some time before you see the final results.
“Generally, patients can see noticeable results within a few weeks to a few months as the swelling goes down,” says Dr. Hoschander. “However, it’s important to note that full results can take several months to fully develop as your body adjusts and the surgical areas continue to heal.”
6. Can I “try on” different implant sizes?
Many doctors have advanced 3D or 4D machines that allow you to “try on” implants. I was able to use Crisalix 3D imaging to digitally see what my breast lift results would look like. You can even upload photos (anonymously) to have other patients who have used the 3D platform vote on multiple “after” photos to see which is more popular.
Vectra 3D imaging system is another tool used by surgeons so you can truly visualize what your new breasts might look like as well as compare and contrast different sizes and shapes.
Although it was initially a little shocking and weird to see different breasts on my body, I think it’s a great way to weigh your options before committing to a certain size. Dr. Schaffner also recommended measuring out rice into ziplock bags and placing them inside your bra to get a feel for how bigger breasts might look and feel as you go about your daily life.
7. What will my scars look like?
If you opt for a tummy tuck, you will have a rather large scar at the very bottom of your abdomen. If you need a breast lift and have more severe sagging, you will likely end up with a “lollipop” or “anchor” scar. If you have less sagging, you can inquire about a donut or crescent lift, which has more discreet scarring.
8. What should I buy to prepare for my recovery?
Many doctors recommend building a pillow fort of sorts on your bed, to prop you up in a comfortable position. Wound care is also very important. “Patients always forget to ask about wound closure and scarring,” says Dr. Mofid. Ask if your surgeon uses a specific brand. “Sylke Adhesive Wound Closure is a game changer, especially for a significant procedure such as a mommy makeover, to improve wound healing and aid in optimal scar outcomes,” says Dr. Mofid.
Precise and constant care of the wound is imperative, to minimize long-lasting scars and infection. “These procedures include long incisions and meticulous closure, and postoperative incision management is critical for an unnoticeable scar,” says Dr. Mofid.
9. How much will a mommy makeover cost?
The average national cost, according to RealSelf members, is around $15,000.
Costs can vary widely but will be higher in major metropolitan hubs. “Mommy makeovers can run between $20,000 and $50,000 in NYC and L.A., depending on the number of procedures and the location and experience of the surgeon,” says Dr. Mofid.
I was quoted approximately $25,000 for a breast lift with implants in New York City, and I know a fellow NYC mom who was quoted $72,000 for a breast augmentation, liposuction, and a tummy tuck with another top doc.
Ask your doctor if the amount needs to be paid in full up front or they have any financing options available. Keep in mind that these cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance and you will not be able to use your HSA funds. Some doctors will offer a discount if you combine multiple procedures and/or pay in cash.
10. What else should patients ask about the procedure?
“Ask to see before and after photos, speak to patients on whom that doctor has performed the procedure, and if applicable, ensure the doctor has hospital privileges to perform that procedure,” says Dr. Schaffner.
Asking friends or a mom group for recommendations is a good place to start—and be sure to check each doctor’s website for their credentials and to see photos of their work.
